Ensuring you are bushfire ready this summer
Bushfires are part-and-parcel with summer here in Australia, and the importance of staying on the front foot in the event of a bushfire cannot be underestimated.
That’s why we recommend creating a bushfire plan online here. It only takes a few minutes and is a small investment that could make a world of difference to your (and your loved ones’) safety.
In addition, we’d like to share some crucial information to ensure you are bushfire ready this season.
Consider your ‘plan of attack’ in the event of a bushfire
Life can change in an instant during a bushfire. To protect yourself, your family, and your home, considerations like will you leave your home, when will you leave, what will you take with you, and where will you go are critical.
Also, don’t forget to take your beloved fury friends into account, as their safety also depends on you.
Prepare your home for bushfire season
A few simple measures can be taken to protect your home from the threat of bushfires.
Be sure to keep the grass low around your property, maintain a cleared area around your home, and clear gutters to prevent the buildup of flammable debris.
Familarise yourself with the bush fire alert levels
Keep a close eye on the fire alert levels, as they will ensure you are abreast of important updates pertaining to immediate fire threats. These levels include:
- Moderate
- High
- Extreme
- Catastrophic
Know where to find the most current information for your specific area
Ensure you have easy access to essential updates from bushfire information lines, websites, and the relevant smartphone apps.
Bushfire warnings for each state and territory can be found by visiting the National Warnings Summary.
Alternatively, as suggested on the Australian Government Australian Climate Service website, make note of the following state-by-state specific information hubs:
Queensland
During an emergency call Triple Zero (000). For current warnings and incidents:
• visit Current bushfires and warnings | Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (qfes.qld.gov.au)
• listen to local media
• check social media at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES | Facebook or Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) / Twitter
New South Wales
During an emergency call Triple Zero (000). For current warnings and incidents:
• visit the NSW Rural Fire Service
• call the Bushfire information line on 1800 679 737
• visit Fires Near Me (nsw.gov.au)
• listen to local media
• check social media such as NSW RFS | Facebook and NSW RFS Twitter
Victoria
During an emergency call Triple Zero (000). For current warnings and incidents:
• visit Incidents and Warnings – VicEmergency
• call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• listen to local media
• check social media such as CFA (Country Fire Authority) | Facebook and VicEmergency | Facebook
Tasmania
During an emergency call Triple Zero (000). For current warnings and incidents:
• visit Fire alert map | Fire alert list
• call the Bushfire information line on 1800 000 699
• listen to local media
• check social media such as Tasmania Fire Service | Hobart TAS | Facebook and TasmaniaFireService (@TasFireService) / Twitter
Other important tips
Although bushfires are most prevalent in summer, they can still occur throughout the year during hot, dry, and windy periods.
If you find yourself travelling on these days, seek refuge in safer places like cities and towns, be ready to adapt your travel plans at a moment’s notice if a fire breaks out, and always share your plans, destinations, and expected times with someone outside your travel group (i.e., a loved one, friend or trusted person).
Let’s all look out for one-another this summer and stay bushfire ready to safeguard the wellbeing of our loved ones and our homes.
Need more information? Feel free to reach out to our dedicated team on 1300 090 256 for further details about how you can be bushfire ready.
